Category Archives: Black and White

Wonderfully rich black and white photography from around the world.

Machu Picchu from Afar

Posted on October 8th, 2015 by

A 40 Year Journey

This year marks my 40th of life…and oh what a journey its been so far. When Pamela asked where I wanted to go for my 40th birthday, I answered immediately…Machu Picchu. There was none of my normal indecision. I have always wanted to visit this mystical forgotten city in the clouds. The Inca must have found some great spiritual vortex to build so far into the mountains. I expected to find something in the ruins. I am always searching for it, but the odd thing was…it wasn’t there. Not in the way I thought at least.

Getting to Machu Picchu itself is also a journey. In the end multiple planes, hotels, cars, buses and trains. This trip also marked my stepping foot on six continents in one calendar year (I am only missing Antarctica). I don’t know what the next 40 years will bring. As Bono, I still haven’t found what I’m looking for, but the one thing I have learned in my now 40 years…the JOURNEY is worth it!

Machu Picchu from Afar
Machu Picchu from Afar

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Chinese Dog Carving at Lingyin Temple

Posted on October 5th, 2015 by

My Love of Random Sculptures

A quick photo today from my favorite part of Hangzhou…Lingyin temple. It’s probably an obvious photo for me to take at this point, but I just love the little details around Chinese gardens, monasteries and the like. The craftsmanship at the Lingyin area is exquisite and this little dog is no exception.

Chinese Dog Carving at Lingyin Temple
Chinese Dog Carving at Lingyin Temple

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Peru Rail Train to Machu Picchu

Posted on September 21st, 2015 by

Hotel Train

We woke up early the morning we went to visit Machu Picchu. We had a wonderful breakfast at the Tambo del Inka hotel in Urubamba. The thing was, it wasn’t THAT early because the hotel has it’s own Peru Rail train station to Aguas Calientes, the town that rests at the foot of Machu Picchu. We honestly felt a bit spoiled, but at the same time, Machu Picchu is a journey. Be sure to plan your rest stops and departures carefully. Tambo del Inka and their private train station made everything super easy!

Peru Rail Train to Machu Picchu
Peru Rail Train to Machu Picchu

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/4
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 4 September, 2015
  • Focal length: 17mm
  • ISO: 2500
  • Shutter speed: 1/160s
  • Title: Peru Rail Train to Machu Picchu

A Survey of the Peruvian Countryside

Posted on September 17th, 2015 by

Please Spay and Neuter Your Pets

I would say more photos of the people of Peru, but I thought today I would talk about the DOGS of Peru. I have never seen so many free roaming dogs in all my time on this Earth as during our visit to Peru. Since they seem to all be free roaming, they appear to also be free to mate. It brings me to an important public service announcement. Please spay and neuter your pets!

A Good Hard Look

This man was looking out over the field on the outskirts of Cusco. I only caught two of the three or four dogs that were following him around. It wasn’t that cold in Peru, but it was winter and we were at 11,000+ feet so it seemed like everyone local was bundled up WAY more then the 65 degree temperature mandated. Can I just say…I love all the hats in Peru!

A Survey of the Peruvian Countryside
A Survey of the Peruvian Countryside

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/8
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 3 September, 2015
  • Focal length: 16mm
  • ISO: 400
  • Shutter speed: 1/1600s
  • Title: A Survey of the Peruvian Countryside

Lingyin Temple Buddha Carving, Hangzhou, China

Posted on September 10th, 2015 by

Unknown Purpose

It is said the monk who built Lingyin temple came to the mountain and knew he must build a monastery there. The guide said nobody was sure why, but I know. In all the chaos of people, the noise, the wild energies without purpose, you can feel it there…You can feel the peace of the soul of the world. It is different than Sedona, but I know why so many Native tribes were called to that place as well. The soul of the world is present, all around, IN all things, IS all things. I believe there are places in the world where the vail is thinner, peace is deep in the Earth at Lingyin. One only needs to open up and begin to FEEL, to know that monks calling.

Lingyin Temple Buddha Carving, Hangzhou, China
Lingyin Temple Buddha Carving, Hangzhou, China

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/4
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 1 July, 2015
  • Focal length: 31mm
  • ISO: 1600
  • Shutter speed: 1/250s
  • Title: Lingyin Temple Buddha Carving, Hangzhou, China

Shapes in Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai, China

Posted on September 7th, 2015 by

Two Worlds

Chinese gardens are dizzying places full of zigzag paths, raised stairs, many, many buildings…it all leads to confusion. Their path madness is said to bewilder evil spirits who must travel in a straight line. I must have a lot in common with these evil spirits. Most of the time I am confused if I have visited a particular area of Yuyuan Garden. I have been there several times and each I have forced myself to surrender to the chaos and just let myself be…to flow though the place.

Shapes in Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai, China
Shapes in Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai, China

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/5.6
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 2 July, 2015
  • Focal length: 20mm
  • ISO: 640
  • Shutter speed: 1/320s
  • Title: Shapes in Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai, China.psd

Guardian at Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai China

Posted on September 3rd, 2015 by

Ancient Guard

This dog, lion or spirit guards (with its companion flanking the other side) one of the entrances to Yuyuan Gardens in Shanghai. You see these statues all over China guarding places from evil spirits or marauding bandits. I always grab a shot of their fierceness and love trying to find new ways to see them when processing.

Guardian at Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai China
Guardian at Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai China

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Street Art in Chinatown, NYC

Posted on August 24th, 2015 by

Finding A New York State of Mind

I took a trip to New York City last week. It was a busy week and I didn’t have much time to photograph (despite lugging my camera everywhere I went). Business took me though Chinatown many times during my four day visit and one the last day I was struck by this scene. I probably walked by five or six times, but only after 4 days did I actually SEE this great street art. Why do we let the busyness of life keep us from seeing the beauty of life?

Street Art in Chinatown, NYC
Street Art in Chinatown, NYC

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Pea Ridge Cannon

Posted on August 6th, 2015 by

History Lessons

We almost didn’t stop, but the sign on the Pea Ridge National Military Park said it was National Park’s weekend and admission was free. I turned around three times before we finally firmly decided to stop. We would have been better off with more time and a more dedicated understanding of the history of the battle fought here, but despite our military ignorance, we found a number of really cool places at the park. The Elkhorn Tavern and the Civil War era cannons scattered around the park were wonderful. It goes to show, even if you don’t have the proper time to dedicate to a place, a quick stop will tell you if you should come back for a more through tour!

Pea Ridge Cannon
Pea Ridge Cannon

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Lion of Singapore

Posted on June 29th, 2015 by

Lion in the Urban Jungle

A quick photo for today, but one that I hope illustrates the importance of keeping a sharp eye out! If I was hurrying, I would have missed this statue of the Lion of Singapore enshrouded in the jungle-like fauna of The Garden by the Bay in Singapore. The lion is everywhere in Singapore, sometimes hiding even in plain sight!

Lion of Singapore
Lion of Singapore

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